Representing the 13th District of Pennsylvania

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Boyle Introduces Dog and Cat Meat Trade Prohibition Act of 2017

WASHINGTON, DC– Today, Congressman Brendan F. Boyle released the following statement after introducing bipartisan legislation prohibiting the slaughter of dogs and cats for human consumption in the United States. Joining Boyle in introducing the legislation were Representatives Alcee Hastings (D-FL), Vern Buchanan (R-FL), and Dave Trott (R-MI).

“The fact that this legislation is even necessary today is astonishing. It is past time for us to outlaw such a cruel and barbaric practice once and for all. The Dog and Cat Meat Trade Prohibition Act of 2017 will finally make it illegal to slaughter animals most of us think of as family members. It is my hope that, with the passage of this bill, the United States will no longer be party to this disgusting practice,” said Congressman Boyle.

“In much of the United States it is still legal to slaughter dogs and cats for the purpose of human consumption,” said Congressman Hastings. “It is long overdue for Congress to unify animal cruelty laws across our country to explicitly ban the killing and consumption of these animals. I am pleased to join my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to end this cruel and inhumane practice.”

“Dogs and cats provide companionship to millions of Americans and should not be slaughtered and sold as food,” said Congressman Buchanan. “This bill will update our animal cruelty laws to provide important protections to America’s most popular pets.”

“As a proud dog owner, I understand what an important part of our families our four-legged friends are and I believe that they should be treated with the utmost respect. I am proud to join my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to stand strong against the dog and cat meat trade and advocate for the humane treatment of our beloved animals,” said Congressman Trott.
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